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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho spoke to the media ahead of his team’s clash with West Bromwich Albion. Mourinho confirmed Diego Costa‘s availability for the match after the striker was left out of the Spanish squad for the internationals last week. Midfielder Cesc Fabregas faces a late fitness test and is a doubt for the match.

The match at Stamford Bridge sees Chelsea go in as favourites, but the Baggies are not to be underestimated with star striker Saido Berahino in scintillating form.

Mourinho: “Costa totally recovered. Fabregas trained with team today simple session. Hopeful he can play. Ramires can play but not in very good condition.”

With Costa having already accumulated four yellow cards, a fifth yellow would get him a suspension for the next game. But Mourinho is not keen on resting his star striker despite the vultures of suspension circling above his head.

“At the moment we feel he is free of his old injury.

“Costa has four yellow cards but ‘no way will I rest him – if he gets a fifth, he gets a fifth. The next match is always the most important.”

Reports in the media suggest goalkeeper Petr Cech, who is apparently seething at being benched in favour of Thibaut Courtois, is looking to move in January. But Mourinho dispelled the rumours, commenting on the professionalism of Cech.

“On my desk I have zero proposals (for Cech). He has a contract for two more years, he is a great professional.

“Not once has he knocked on my door to inform me of his desire to (leave).”

With Chelsea facing a busy schedule due to the fact they are fighting on many fronts, there are doubts as to whether the squad will hold up in terms of fitness in the run-in to the hectic Christmas schedule.

“Number of matches so high, the days in between matches is so low, it doesn’t improve our training programme.

“It might affect some English clubs in Europe. But this marathon up to the xmas period is something I love.”

Mourinho expects his side to win, but insisted West Brom are a side not to be taken lightly.

“I expect to win, but I expect a very very difficult match. They have a good team, they can give us a very difficult match.

“They know that they can get a result against us, because they got it in the past, “said Mourinho.

Mourinho also told the press that complacency would not be an issue for his Chelsea side.

“Complacency won’t be a problem. If we lose title it will not be because of complacency.”